The United States is to finally have a team on the Formula One grid from 2015 after the FIA accepted the entry of NASCAR guru Gene Haas.

Four months after motor sport's world governing body called for new entrants to compete in the sport, Haas has been accepted following a period of due diligence.

Haas said in a statement: "Obviously, we're extremely pleased to have been granted a Formula One licence by the FIA.

"It's an exciting time for me, Haas Automation and anyone who wanted to see an American team return to Formula One.

"Now, the really hard work begins. It's a challenge we embrace as we work to put cars on the grid.

"I want to thank the FIA for this opportunity and the diligence everyone put forth to see our licence application come to fruition."

Haas at least has motor sport running through his veins as he forms one half of the successful Stewart-Haas Racing team based in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Haas certainly has the credentials and capability to get a new team up and running as he owns factory facilities in Brussels which would likely be key for a European base.

Haas also runs the full-scale Windshear rolling-road wind tunnel in North Carolina that has previously been used by a number of Formula One teams, although that facility is understood to be banned at present.

Former Red Bull and Jaguar technical director Guenther Steiner is working with Haas on the project.

America last tried to get a team on the grid in 2010 at a time when F1 was seeking significant expansion, only for US F1's plans to fail to come to fruition.

Haas still has numerous hurdles to overcome, notably with regard to cost as F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned one billion dollars (£600million) would likely last him four years.

Haas is entering at a time when the major marques have put a block on FIA president Jean Todt's plans for a cost cap to be introduced from next year.

Financial control will instead supposedly come through a tightening of the technical and sporting regulations.

Haas will also certainly be all too aware that since the last three new teams were accepted from 2010, Hispania Racing no longer exists, whilst Marussia and Caterham have failed to score a point in 80 races to date despite the fact the top 10 cars now score points.